The day after meeting Prince William, Louis Rees-Zammit was back at work with the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Welsh player is on the Jaguars’ practice squad as a wide receiver after originally signing with the Kansas City Chiefs as a running back.
Despite the position change and moving from a top team to one struggling this season, the 23-year-old Rees-Zammit remains positive.
“I’m loving every moment being in this league,” he shared at a news conference on Wednesday, just before Jacksonville’s game against the New England Patriots, both teams having 1-5 records.
Rees-Zammit, who took part in drills with the receivers and special teams, was known as one of the most thrilling rugby players before he left the sport in January to join the NFL’s International Player Pathway Program.
A long-time football fan, he first signed with the two-time Super Bowl champions but did not make the final roster in Kansas City.
Now, he is focused on a new team and a new playbook, but his goal remains the same.
“I’m just working hard every day to try and do what I can do to get an opportunity. Whenever that comes, I’m going to take it with both hands,” he stated. He often refers to the playbook, emphasizing its importance.
“It’s taken a lot of my time because I want to try and learn this as quickly as possible so I can go out there and not have to think during a play. I just want to be able to play fast and know everything.”
Jaguars coach Doug Pederson mentioned that practice squad players “are a play or two away from being elevated to the roster.” He encouraged Rees-Zammit to “continue to work and embrace his role.”
“We love his skill set, his talent, his speed, his physicality,” Pederson said. “He’s got great size. Just learn, just continue to learn, and just be patient; an opportunity will come.”
Rees-Zammit was present for Jacksonville’s 35-16 loss to the Chicago Bears at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and even spoke with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell before the game. The league hopes he can succeed as part of its international growth efforts.
He mentioned that being a wide receiver “allows me to use my speed a lot more” compared to being a running back.
“I’ve got to just focus on the small details,” he added, “and then wait for an opportunity to come.”
